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Google Fights Patent Theft Charges

Northeastern U and partner claim company stole search method

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2008 8:05 PM CST
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(Newser) – Google denies allegations that it is infringing on a patent held jointly by Northeastern University and a Massachussetts company for an Internet search method, and is countersuing to invalidate the patent, PC World reports. NU and its partner claim Google is infringing a patent they were granted for a distributed database system that breaks down search queries for faster results.

The plaintiffs say Google's search service relies on methods that are too similar to their system, and are demanding an enjoinment and damages. Google is responding with a claim that the patent itself should have never been granted, and therefore cannot be ground for infringement. Legal experts say the case should be resolved within 18 months to 2 years.

A decision on the case is expected within 18 months to 2 years. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
A decision on the case is expected within 18 months to 2 years. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)   (Associated Press)
Google claims the patent in question is invalid in the first place. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Google claims the patent in question is invalid in the first place. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)   (Associated Press)
Plaintiffs in the patent case claim Google is infringing their distributed search system. (AP Photo/Rene Tillmann, file)
Plaintiffs in the patent case claim Google is infringing their distributed search system. (AP Photo/Rene Tillmann, file)   (Associated Press)
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US Patent & Trademark Office

 
Google • intellectual property • search engine • patent • infringement

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